Story by
Purdue Boilermakers’ win over Alabama literally unprecedented in program history
- Story by
- Purdue Boilermakers’ win over Alabama literally unprecedented in program history
The post Purdue Boilermakers' win over Alabama literally unprecedented in program history appeared first on ClutchPoints .
The Purdue Boilermakers ' 87-80 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide wasn't just another solid road win for the preseason No. 1 squad , now ranked No.2. It broke records that had stood for more than four decades and set a completely new benchmark in program history.
Advertisement
The Boilermakers knocked off eighth-ranked Alabama in Tuscaloosa on November 13, a result Chris Forman of Purdue athletics put into proper historical context .
"The win was Purdue's first non-conference road win over a top-10 team since Dec. 4, 1982, at #7 Louisville (89-83)," Forman said, via Andy Katz of NCAA and Turner Sports. "It was Purdue's first non-conference road win between two top-10 teams ever."
In the entire history of Purdue basketball , the program had never won a nonconference game on the road when both teams were ranked in the top 10. The matchup also marked the first top-10 versus top-10 game of the 2025-26 season, putting the Boilermakers' accomplishment on the national stage from the opening tip.
Braden Smith delivered a masterclass with 29 points, pouring in 21 after halftime when the game hung in the balance. Trey Kaufman-Renn made his season debut count with 19 points and 15 rebounds, giving Purdue the interior presence it needed.
Advertisement
The rebounding margin told the real story. Purdue outrebounded Alabama 52-28, securing 19 offensive rebounds that extended possessions and wore down the Crimson Tide's defense. Alabama kept it close by draining 16 three-pointers, but couldn't overcome the physical beating they took inside. The game was tied at 80-80 with under two minutes left before Purdue finished on a 7-0 run.
The victory pushed Purdue to 3-0 and extended their winning streak over Alabama to three straight seasons. Matt Painter's squad is now 12-5 in AP top-10 matchups during his tenure. Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats called his team's rebounding performance "embarrassing" after the loss.
For a program adjusting to life without Zach Edey , this historic road win proves the Boilermakers remain a legitimate national championship contender.
Related: How Purdue basketball's Trey Kaufman-Renn answered Matt Painter's challenge by walloping Alabama
Related: BYU basketball's Kennard Davis Jr. arrested on suspicion of DUI before UConn showdown
